The Predictive Effects of Attitudes toward Science and Mathematics on Science and Mathematics Achievement in TIMSS among Southeast Asian Eighth Grade Students

Resumo

This study explored the predictive effects of attitudes toward science and mathematics on science and mathematics achievement among Southeast Asian eighth graders who participated in the TIMSS 2011. In this study, students’ interest in and liking of learning science and mathematics,  understanding about the importance of and the usefulness of the subjects (attainment value and utility value), and  self-confidence or self-concept in their ability to learn science and mathematics were measured. Data were obtained from 5,733 Malaysian students, 5,927 Singaporean students, 6,124 Thai students, and 5,795 Indonesian students who participated in the TIMSS 2011. The results of the present study indicated that eighth graders’ liking and valuing of learning science were positively and significantly associated with science achievement in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Students’ liking of mathematics was positively and significantly associated with mathematics achievement in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia whereas students’ confidence in mathematics was significantly associated with mathematics achievement in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. This study provides information on prerequisites of Southeast Asian students’ science and mathematics learning. Implications of the findings for educational policy and practice are discussed.